tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35455370652288184902024-03-07T20:22:55.783-08:00Parents Of Westchester With Orville WrightEmpowering our schools, teachers and students to achieve academic excellence through education, professional development, communication, technology and safety!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-41030027330370098122008-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:48:59.494-08:00Upcoming Events<strong>WEDNESDAY DEC. 10</strong>: The Westchester High School Theater Production Club and Mr. Barrow's Drama Class are pleased to present...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Westchester High Performing Arts Night!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Music! Drama! Baked goods! Fun!</span></strong></div><ul><li>Wednesday, December 10, 2008</li><li>7:00 PM </li><li>Social Hall</li><li>Admission is FREE!</li></ul><br /><strong><em>Bring money for the bake sale!</em></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">************************************************</div><p><br /><strong>WEDNESDAY DEC. 17</strong>: The Westchester High School Performing Arts, Fine Arts, and Culinary Arts Departments are proud to the present...<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><strong>The First Annual Winter Concert Dinner Theater </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>featuring the Band, Choir, Drill Team, Flags, Drumline, Jazz Band, and more!</strong></div><br /><br /><ul><li>Wednesday, December 17, 2008</li><li>Westchester High School Social Hall</li><li>Dinner service begins at 6 pm</li><li>Concert begins at 7 PM</li></ul><strong><em>Dinner tickets are $10</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Concert is free</em></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-33100597120973018832008-06-18T22:37:00.000-07:002008-09-19T23:13:15.921-07:00Mega Fund Raising Weekend Upon Us...<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Join POWWOW's National PALS charity benefit as we kick-off the weekend on Saturday, June 21st, with our 2nd annual Parent Reception; then on Sunday, June 22nd, we have celebrity alums of WHS on campus for a basketball exhibition, 02 vs. 05, and immediately following--the celebs take center court!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/SFv8M0zhjfI/AAAAAAAAAsY/3RYqsaFHBzI/s1600-h/cball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214038290874863090" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/SFv8M0zhjfI/AAAAAAAAAsY/3RYqsaFHBzI/s320/cball.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span></span></div><p><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Parent Rece</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ption</span></span><br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Saturday, June 21st at 5.30pm</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Westchester High School Senior Lawn</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:85%;">Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lewis King of UCLA and the Bradley Foundation on "Eliminating Achievement Gaps Through Reducing Gaps In Parent Participation".</span><br /><br /></p></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">****************************************</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">C</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">elebrity Basketball Game</span></span></span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sunday, June 22nd at 2pm</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Westchester High School Gym</span><br style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><ol style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153)"><li><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Trevor Ariza </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Los Angeles Lakers</span></li><li><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Amir Johnson</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Detroit Pistons</span></li><li><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Gabe Pruitt</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Boston Celtics ' 08 Champions</span></li><li><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Hassan Adams</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Various NBA Teams</span></li></ol><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">****************************************<br /><br /></span></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,255,153);font-size:130%;" >Proceeds will benefit POWWOW's National PALS non-profit. Please support our Parent Group.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">****************************************</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-16679229727137609632008-03-31T17:42:00.001-07:002008-03-31T17:45:53.659-07:00Thursday, April 3rd: Westchester High School Open House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R_GFoT3IoSI/AAAAAAAAAq0/2CBOIqSmDQI/s1600-h/OpenHouse_040308.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R_GFoT3IoSI/AAAAAAAAAq0/2CBOIqSmDQI/s320/OpenHouse_040308.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184071573652939042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R_GFDD3IoRI/AAAAAAAAAqs/VxE14hPLbx0/s1600-h/OpenHouse_040308.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-38591081089039103252008-03-17T17:35:00.000-07:002008-03-17T22:30:03.807-07:00Healthy Start Walk-A-Thon--5 weeks left!<strong>REMINDER: 5 weeks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">until</span> the Walk-A-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thon</span>! Have you contacted Healthy Start to sign-up or to assist in their efforts? If not, please do so today. Thank you.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R98SegnmywI/AAAAAAAAAqM/Tfh07BVuZTU/s1600-h/HS_logo_color.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178878411860790018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R98SegnmywI/AAAAAAAAAqM/Tfh07BVuZTU/s320/HS_logo_color.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We are encouraging all POWWOW Parents, Friends and Families to support the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> Annual Healthy Start 5k Walk-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thon</span> on April 26, 2008.<br /><br />Kick off is at 9am in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WHS</span> Cafeteria.In preparation of this event, Healthy Start needs parents and others to assist in:<br /><ul><li>Obtaining sponsors,</li><li>Contacting businesses, </li><li>Donations, </li><li>and signing-up walkers (including yourself)</li></ul>Cost is only $5, which include t-shirt, food, water, entertainment and a chance to win prizes, but most importantly, this annual event, for all ages, is designed to support free Healthy Start services at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Westchester</span> High School, Del Rey High School and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Westchester</span> Math Science Aerospace Magnet. Among the services provided are weekly counseling, after-school tutoring, Saturday Academy and parenting classes for parents of students enrolled in these programs.<br /><br />Please, we strongly encourage all parents, families and friends to support this event and send the message that Healthy Start is an integral school and student resource.Please contact Marvin or Billie today and let them know how you can help.<br /><ul><li>Contacts: Marvin Cooper and Billie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Silvey</span></li><li>7400 Manchester Blvd.</li><li>Los Angeles, CA 90045</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ph</span>: 310.338-2440<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fx</span>: 310.338.2475</li><li>Billie's email: <a href="mailto:bxs9588@lausd.net">bxs9588@lausd.net</a></li></ul><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-68844965239032624352008-03-12T23:14:00.000-07:002008-03-12T23:20:53.309-07:00Successful, Thought-provoking Parent Meeting<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you to all our parents (and our special guest) for engaging in such a thought-provoking, substantive meeting. Looking forward to materializing the framework of our discussion and will be in email correspondence soon for next steps.<br /><br />Posting of various events and happenings will be posted shortly.<br /><br />All the best and great meeting!</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-34786777528550507882008-03-11T21:49:00.000-07:002008-03-11T22:03:19.018-07:00Scholarship: Emma L. Bowen Foundation For Minority Interests In Media<span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Calling all Juniors!!! This scholarship's for you!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Please apply immediately. Please contact the Parent Center if you require any assistance. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Emma L. Bowen Foundation For Minority Interests In Media </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Established by the media industry to increase access to permanent job opportunities for minority students. The Foundation's program is unlike other intern programs in that students work for a partner company during summers and school breaks from the end of their junior year in high school until they graduate from college.<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">During that five-year period, students learn many aspects of corporate operations and develop company-specific skills. Corporations guide and develop minority students with the option of permanent placement upon completion of their college degree.<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Deadline:March 31, 2008<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Award Amount:$2,250 plus internship experience<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Website/Contact Info:</span></strong><a href="http://www.emmabowenfoundation.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">www.emmabowenfoundation.com</span></strong></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Complete application at this link here: </span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.emmabowenfoundation.com/main.html"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.emmabowenfoundation.com/main.html</span></strong></a><br /><div></div><div><br /><div>Some of the Emma L. Bowen Foundation's Partner Companies</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9diaQnmyrI/AAAAAAAAApk/9vkgjDoYQ2M/s1600-h/logo_abc.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176714499962882738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9diaQnmyrI/AAAAAAAAApk/9vkgjDoYQ2M/s320/logo_abc.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9di8wnmysI/AAAAAAAAAps/qdIw1z3M0VE/s1600-h/logo_comcast.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176715092668369602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9di8wnmysI/AAAAAAAAAps/qdIw1z3M0VE/s320/logo_comcast.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djfQnmyuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/AJTCwaTsJp4/s1600-h/logo_fox.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176715685373856482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djfQnmyuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/AJTCwaTsJp4/s320/logo_fox.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djnAnmyvI/AAAAAAAAAqE/1SVnKdyiyG0/s1600-h/logo_oxygen_oh.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176715818517842674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djnAnmyvI/AAAAAAAAAqE/1SVnKdyiyG0/s320/logo_oxygen_oh.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djXwnmytI/AAAAAAAAAp0/Ah2X02-51ZY/s1600-h/hbologo_CBD2D8.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176715556524837586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9djXwnmytI/AAAAAAAAAp0/Ah2X02-51ZY/s320/hbologo_CBD2D8.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-10509552779543884062008-03-11T11:59:00.000-07:002008-03-11T11:10:03.359-07:00Wednesday, March 12th: POWWOW Meeting<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, March 12th</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">6.30pm</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Westchester Social Hall</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-61735087084374405842008-03-11T10:40:00.000-07:002008-03-11T11:08:17.117-07:00March 28th from 4-7pm: A Teacher | Student Art Opening<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9bJqgnmyqI/AAAAAAAAApc/XO4vZQ-vWfE/s1600-h/Clavin_Tucker_Paintbruhes-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176546553856707234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9bJqgnmyqI/AAAAAAAAApc/XO4vZQ-vWfE/s320/Clavin_Tucker_Paintbruhes-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>Shop 5: </strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>Art Opening</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong><em>A Teacher and Student Art Opening</em></strong></span></div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Friday, March 28th</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">4-7pm</span></strong></div><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Graphaids Art Supply</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">7280 Manchester Blvd.--off Rayford Street</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Westchester, CA </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">310.216.6300</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Parking is located behind Graphaids</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Join Graphaids and Teachers, Students, Administrators and Parents for a Community Collaboration and Celebration between Westchester High School and Graphaids Art Supply.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Featured Mega Cast include:</strong></div><ul><li><strong>Westchester High School's Shop 5--Teacher and Student Artists</strong></li><li><strong>Westchester High's Jazz Band</strong></li><li><strong>Other Student Performers</strong></li></ul><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Featured works of Leila Levi, her Painting and Drawing Students & Student Teacher, Margot McCall Beaver, will be on display through April 25th.</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">POWWOW Parents, families and friends let's join together in supporting our students and teachers by participating in this event on Friday, March 28th and viewing the display of eclectic artwork through April 25th.</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></strong></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-70073653882794931832008-03-10T14:20:00.001-07:002008-03-11T11:11:31.611-07:00Westchester Healthy Start Needs You!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9WmtAnmyjI/AAAAAAAAAok/NVE4GjSkbws/s1600-h/HS_logo_color.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176226638922697266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9WmtAnmyjI/AAAAAAAAAok/NVE4GjSkbws/s320/HS_logo_color.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">We are encouraging all POWWOW Parents, Friends and Families to support the <span style="font-size:130%;">4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Annual Healthy Start 5k Walk-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thon</span> on April 26, 2008. Kick off is at 9am in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WHS</span> Cafeteria.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In preparation of this event, Healthy Start needs parents and others to assist in:</span><br /><br /></strong><ol><li><strong>Obtaining sponsors,</strong></li><li><strong>Contacting businesses,</strong></li><li><strong>Donations,</strong></li><li><strong>and signing-up walkers (including yourself)</strong></li></ol><strong>Cost is only $5, which include t-shirt, food, water, entertainment and a chance to win prizes, but most importantly, this annual event, for all ages, is designed to support free Healthy Start services at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Westchester</span> High School, Del Rey High School and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Westchester</span> Math Science Aerospace Magnet. Among the services provided are weekly counseling, after-school tutoring, Saturday Academy and parenting classes for parents of students enrolled in these programs.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please, we strongly encourage all parents, families and friends to support this event and send the message that Healthy Start is an integral school and student resource.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please contact Marvin or Billie today and let them know how you can help.</span><br /><br />Contacts: Marvin Cooper and Billie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Silvey</span><br />7400 Manchester Blvd.<br />Los Angeles, CA 90045<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ph</span>: 310.338-2440<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fx</span>: 310.338.2475<br />Billie's email: </strong><a href="mailto:bxs9588@lausd.net"><strong>bxs9588@lausd.net</strong></a><strong><br /><br />Enjoy a couple pictures of last year's event...<br /></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9WqJwnmykI/AAAAAAAAAos/wCOrjm8rZ9U/s1600-h/Walk-a-Thon+2007+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176230431378819650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" height="167" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9WqJwnmykI/AAAAAAAAAos/wCOrjm8rZ9U/s320/Walk-a-Thon+2007+032.jpg" width="241" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9Wq8AnmylI/AAAAAAAAAo0/IAf2wWV8rpc/s1600-h/Walk-a-Thon+2007+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176231294667246162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="189" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R9Wq8AnmylI/AAAAAAAAAo0/IAf2wWV8rpc/s320/Walk-a-Thon+2007+043.jpg" width="275" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-28896667326620647122008-03-01T02:41:00.000-08:002008-03-21T15:57:31.416-07:00POWWOW is featured in LMU EdVision Fall 2007 Issue<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R-OC_D3IoOI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AuGGD2sSO4o/s1600-h/lmu.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180128016286130402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R-OC_D3IoOI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AuGGD2sSO4o/s320/lmu.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">We missed this great FALL 07 issue of EdVision--an LMU School of Education publication where POWWOW received kudos--and our very own Crissina Johnson and Orville Wright Principal, Mr. Rochelle and other community team members were featured. </span></strong></div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Read full issue here:</span></strong> <a href="http://soe.lmu.edu/AssetFactory.aspx?did=20933">http://soe.lmu.edu/AssetFactory.aspx?did=20933</a></div><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">After Crissina Johnson read the WASC report, which discussed the need for greater participation among parents of children in the area’s secondary schools, she decided to take action. Johnson, whose three children have attended Westchester schools, founded Parents of Westchester with Orville Wright (POWWOW) last May, and quickly built an email listserv of approximately 400 parents. “A lot of parents begin to distance themselves from involvement with their children at the secondary level, and I believe there is a direct correlation between parent involvement and student achievement,” says Johnson, who calls the community’s relationship with LMU an “awesome opportunity.”</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R-OEtD3IoQI/AAAAAAAAAqk/FKS-9_xIeX8/s1600-h/teamplayers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180129906071740674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R-OEtD3IoQI/AAAAAAAAAqk/FKS-9_xIeX8/s320/teamplayers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Congratulations!</span></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-68350845758286608232008-02-03T00:01:00.000-08:002008-02-03T00:00:30.549-08:00Super Tuesday | California Primary Caucus | PLEASE VOTE, VOTE, VOTE<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">24 STATES ARE HOSTING PRIMARY CAUCUSES ON TUESDAY.<br /><br />It is IMPERATIVE IMPORTANT CRUCIAL URGENT that you get out and vote on Tuesday.<br /><br />Please encourage all registered voters 18 and older to get out and let their voice be heard on Tuesday; tomorrow [Wednesday] will be too late.<br /></span></strong><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Find your Polling Place:</span> </span><a href="http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm</span></a></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">LA Vote:</span> </span><a href="http://lavote.net/locator/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://lavote.net/locator/</span></a></strong></p><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6IQWf6vP2I/AAAAAAAAAlc/Bhg5nu0PQUo/s1600-h/SuperTuesday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161706101631041378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6IQWf6vP2I/AAAAAAAAAlc/Bhg5nu0PQUo/s320/SuperTuesday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Here are some guidelines to make sure you have an easy time at the polls on primary day:<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><ol><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to at least 8:00 p.m.</span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Anyone in line at the time the polls close is allowed to vote</span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">If your name does not appear on the voter rolls, you may cast a provisional ballot</span></strong></li></ol><p><strong></strong></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-16055508562474034982008-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:002008-02-03T14:23:53.427-08:00Best Buy Scholarships Available | Deadline: February<span style="color:#99ff99;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Deadline: 8:59 p.m. PT on February 15, 2008.<br />The application must be submitted electronically </strong><br /></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span><p align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6Y-Qv6vQII/AAAAAAAAAns/0hunehfoaNk/s1600-h/BestBuy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162882480288514178" style="WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 49px" height="77" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6Y-Qv6vQII/AAAAAAAAAns/0hunehfoaNk/s320/BestBuy.jpg" width="333" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Best Buy Scholarships</span></strong><br />Best Buy Children's Foundation is awarding $2.75 million in scholarships to recognize and reward students who have made extraordinary contributions both inside and outside of the classroom.<br /><br />The Best Buy Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a division of <a href="http://www.scholarshipamerica.org/">Scholarship America</a>. Scholarship America is dedicated to improving access to postsecondary education for students through scholarships and educational support.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Guidelines and Application<br /></span></strong><strong>EligibilityApplicants must:</strong> </p><ol><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Be a graduating high school senior living in the United States <ol><br /></ol></span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Live within 75 miles* of a U.S. Best Buy Store</span></strong></li><br /><br /><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or an equivalent)</span></strong></li><br /><br /><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Demonstrate commitment to and involvement in volunteer community service or work experience</span></strong></li><br /><br /><li><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Plan to enroll in a full-time** undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico no later than fall 2008.<br /></span></strong></li></ol>**Full-time study is defined as full-time enrollment for the entire 2008-2009 academic year.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Award Criteria</span><br /></span></strong>Selection of recipients will be based on solid academic performance and exemplary community service or work experience. Consideration may also be given to participation and leadership in school activities. Financial need is not considered.<br /><br />Awards are for undergraduate study only.<br /><br />Recipients may only receive one Best Buy sponsored award.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Award Amounts<br /></span></strong>Scholarships will be awarded as follows:<br /><br /><ol><li>1,500 scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded</li><br /><br /><li>51 scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded. State awards will be granted to exceptional students from the diverse population of Best Buy communities. </li></ol>Awards are one-time only and are not renewableUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-59895829131711781122008-02-02T00:30:00.000-08:002008-02-03T01:05:44.320-08:00WHS | 3rd Quarter: Begins Tuesday, 2/5<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6WD4P6vQFI/AAAAAAAAAnU/qCfuTdiNm_g/s1600-h/4x42.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162677550218952786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6WD4P6vQFI/AAAAAAAAAnU/qCfuTdiNm_g/s320/4x42.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">3RD Quarter begins Tuesday, February 5th </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">WHS Holiday: Monday, February 4th<br /></span></strong></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-25611259690676089182008-01-31T09:48:00.000-08:002008-02-03T01:16:22.307-08:00Presidential Candidates | Scholarship Opportunity<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6WGXf6vQHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/tdlzfxlPol4/s1600-h/pres_scholar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162680286113120370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R6WGXf6vQHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/tdlzfxlPol4/s320/pres_scholar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">Scholarship Eligibility</span></em></strong><br />Prior to the <strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">deadline of June 12, 2008</span></strong>, you must be at least 16 years of age or older.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">Scholarship Amount and Awards Available</span></em></strong><br />$4400 - Only One Award Available<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">Allocation Date</span></em></strong><br />July 4th, 2008<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">Scholarship Application Process</span></em></strong><br />Submit an essay to scholarships@presidentialcandidates.tv answering the following questions:<br />(PLEASE KEEP YOUR ESSAY UNDER 1500 WORDS)<br /><br />1. Name the three most important issues that you believe the 44th President of the United States should address.<br /><br />2. Take one of the issues that you previously mentioned and discuss what should be done to address the issue. (ie: If you picked health care as one of your three issues, then you could mention that America should implement a universal health care plan. However, please be as detailed as possible, as many students may choose the same issue to address.)<br /><br />3. Lastly, identify which candidate you believe will be the 44th President of the United States and why you believe he/she will be victorious.<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">Essay Formatting</span></strong></em><br />Make sure your essay is sent in a word document. The document must be double spaced and include a works cited or bibliography page at the end of the essay. In addition, please indicate an email address or home mailing address that you would like us to use if you are chosen as a scholarship recipient. Please note that we will only contact the student that has been selected.<br />If you are not contacted and are still curious on who has been selected, come visit the website after the allocation date.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.presidentialcandidates.tv/scholarship.php">http://www.presidentialcandidates.tv/scholarship.php</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">Contact/Visit the Parent Center at WHS if you need any resources to assist you in submitting your essay.</span></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-27163574699092762082008-01-31T09:41:00.000-08:002008-01-31T09:47:55.339-08:00HBCU Connect "Black History in Action" Scholarship<a title="http://www.fastweb.com/sp/award/124322/20080131/AFPAWZCELZJM" href="http://www.fastweb.com/sp/award/124322/20080131/AFPAWZCELZJM">HBCU Connect "Black History in Action" Scholarship</a><br /><br /><strong>Award Amount: $1,000</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">The HBCU Connect "Black History in Action" Scholarship is available to full-time students at accredited US colleges and universities as well as graduating high school seniors.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong>To apply for this award you must submit a 1000 to 1500 word essay discussing the following topics:</strong> <strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">How is African-American history relevant to success in today's world? How are you, individually, committed to making a brighter future for the African-American community?</span></strong> <strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">What steps have you taken? What can be done to educate young people that history is still taking place in the African-American community today? </span></strong><br /><br />Log on to <a href="http://www.fastweb.com/">www.fastweb.com</a> for more details.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-26346143171399361012008-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:002008-01-26T08:06:15.377-08:00I-Division Upon Us -- Parents | Teachers Vote: YES<p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Parents, Teachers Taking Over Westchester High<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">By Paul Clinton</span> </p><p>Parents and teachers at Westchester High School have voted to put themselves in charge of academic reforms in an effort to take the low-performing school where Los Angeles Unified couldn't. </p><p>Working with Loyola Marymount University under the banner of the district's new Innovation Division, they will try to turn around a school that ranks in the bottom fifth of the state academically.</p><p>With the votes, the school is signing up for a five-year partnership with the Catholic university - known as the Family of Schools - to improve achievement and draw local students back to LAUSD classrooms. </p><p>"I am very optimistic about what is going to happen here," Superintendent David Brewer told an audience at the school Friday. "I expect a lot of students to go all the way through and become graduates of college, especially LMU."</p><p>The division, which was created in mid-2007, now reviews proposals from schools hoping to hook up with universities, governments or other community partners looking to guide schools toward reform. </p><p>Crenshaw High also voted to join the Innovation Division this week. </p><p>Like many LAUSD high schools, Westchester High graduates a lower percentage of students than schools in many other Southern California districts. </p><p>Three out of four students attending the school score below proficiency in basic subjects such as algebra, geometry, English and science. </p><p>Discipline and truancy issues also have plagued the school for years. On a typical school day, as many as 10 percent of the students arrive late to class. </p><p>Many of the details of the reform plan for the school must still be worked out, but the university will begin placing student tutors in spring mathematics classes. Also, an exploratory committee of parents, teachers, administrators and others will begin formulating goals for improvement. </p><p>During voting on Wednesday and Thursday at Westchester High, parents and teachers voted overwhelmingly (89 percent and 75 percent, respectively) to seek greater control to set budgets, hire staff and change curriculum. </p><p>The work won't be easy, said board member Marlene Canter, who represents the area. </p><p>Read entire story here: <a href="http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1230951/parents_teachers_taking_over_westchester_high/">http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1230951/parents_teachers_taking_over_westchester_high/<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong></a></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong> </p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">2 high schools join LAUSD reform effort</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">By Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer January 25, 2008 </span><br /><br /><strong><em>Westchester and Crenshaw parents and teachers vote to take the low-performing schools in a new direction.</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Parents and teachers at two venerable but struggling high schools voted this week to put themselves in charge of crucial academic reforms.<br /><br />Crenshaw High, south of Leimert Park, and Westchester High, on the Westside, will join the Innovation Division, a new reform initiative of the Los Angeles Unified School District.<br /><br />The results of school elections were obtained early Thursday evening by The Times, minutes after the counting was completed. Under the rules, parents had to approve the move in a simple majority. That election was conducted Wednesday.<br /><br />Teachers also had to approve in separate balloting that took place over two days.<br /><br />Parents voted in low numbers, but overwhelmingly in favor of the reform plan. At Crenshaw the count was 95 to 6, a turnout of about 5%. At Westchester, the tally was 100-12, a turnout of about 6%. The parent results surprised no one -- most observers assumed that only the motivated parents would vote and they were far more likely to vote yes.<br /><br /><strong></strong>Read entire story here: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-innovation25jan25,1,6271160.story">http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-innovation25jan25,1,6271160.story</a><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Westchester High School to Join iDivision</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Source: LMU</span><br /><br />LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2008 — Westchester High School voted yesterday to join the Los Angeles Unified School District’s newly formed Innovation Division, in partnership with Loyola Marymount University Family of Schools. The high school joins Orville Wright Middle School’s community and magnet programs and Kentwood Elementary School, which both joined the LMU iDivision Partnership last December.<br /><br />With LMU as the Westchester schools’ external network partner, this partnership moves budget authority and decision-making over instructional and staffing choices to each school locally. The LMU Partnership will support teachers, staff, parents and community in decision-making roles.<br /><br />The Westchester High School community showed their commitment to reform and improve student achievement through overwhelming support from teachers, school staff, parents, community members and local community organizations.<br /><br />Read entire story here: <a href="http://www.lmu.edu/pagefactory.aspx?PageID=41981">http://www.lmu.edu/pagefactory.aspx?PageID=41981</a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Other area musings...</span></strong><br /><br /><a title="Westchester High School moves into the iDivision" href="http://westchesterparents.org/?p=388">Westchester High School moves into the iDivision</a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted on January 24th, 2008 by westchester dad </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>I’ve received word that Westchester High Schools parents and teachers voted to remove themselves from the authority of LAUSD District 3 and into the LAUSD’s Innovation (iDivision) Division. The unconfirmed vote were that teachers voted 68-30 to approve and parents voted 106-7 for approval. (Note: L.A.Times <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-innovation25jan25,1,6271160.story">reports this morning</a> that the teacher vote was 72-24.)<br /></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;"><em>I’m sort of surprised by the extremely low parent turnout but that may be because there are so few neighborhood families with students attending there and parents in the lower grades who might have a stake in the school in the future weren’t allowed to vote.</em></span></strong> A news conference is planned for tomorrow.<br /><br />Joining the iDivision is good news.. <strong><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">however the devil is in the details since everyone was really voting for a concept</span></em></strong>. The details of the relationship and governance between the neighborhood, LMU and the LAUSD have yet to be hammered out.<br /><br />Community support will depend on how much control or oversight the community is given in the Loyola Marymont/Westchester Family of Schools (LMU/Westchester FoS) operations. <strong>So far the iDivision is a very abstract concept.<br /></strong><br />The only given is that the schools will:<br /><br /></p><ul><li>Retain 80% of their average daily attendance money compared to the 50% they get now. Not nearly as good as charters, but better that regular LAUSD schools which are on the poverty scale because of district overhead. </li><li>Teachers are still represented by the UTLA and the district will continue to negotiate their contracts. </li><li>Schools may contract out for facility services if they choose and/or they may choose from a menu of district services. (This is a good development) </li><li>The availability of school resources including enrollment and facilities are still available to those outside of the local enrollment area and managed by the district. (this could very well be a deal breaker if the schools has to continue to allow high levels of open enrollment, opportunity transfers and program improvement transfers). </li><li>There is some kind of undefined partnership between the schools and LMU. Not even LMU knows what it is.<br /></li></ul><p><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">On the discouraging side, Superintendent Brewer’s comments at WHS a month ago downplayed how much influence the neighborhood would have.</span></strong> He said that the community would have only 1 vote among many which could be something like 1:4 or 1:8 or 1:10. It all depends on how many stakeholders they want to see at the table.<br /></p><p>Drew Furedi noted that the LMU/Westchester FoS will still have to conform to LAUSD enrollment policies.</p><p>What this all boils down to is that the district will continue to have a pretty firm grip on many critical aspects of the LMU/Westchester FoS operations. Will it follow previous unsuccessful attempts at reform such a School Based Management (SBM) and LEARN?</p><p>On the flip side will the LMU/Westchester FoS mean more electives for our kids? Will there be more academic and sports opportunities for Westchester’s families and their kids? Will it result in higher academic performance? Will the school once again have a band?<br />We’ll just have to see. The devil is in the details and so is its success.</p><p>Source: <a href="http://westchesterparents.org/">http://westchesterparents.org/</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-14549523566228869212008-01-21T18:04:00.000-08:002008-01-21T18:10:48.638-08:00Get Out The Vote Support Rally: Tuesday, January 22nd!<strong></strong><br /><strong>Parents of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Westchester</span> With Orville Wright (POWWOW) and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crenshaw</span> Cougars Coalition (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CCC</span>) has organized a <span style="color:#99ff99;">"Get Out The Vote Support Rally"</span> on Tuesday January 22, 2008 from 7pm to 8pm.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Please join us at...</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">Windsor Hills Magnet School </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">5215 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Overdale</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Drirve</span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">Los Angeles, CA 90043 </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">(Near the intersection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Overhill</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Northridge</span>)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">REMINDER: The VOTE is WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD from 7am-8pm at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Westchester</span> High School and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Crenshaw</span> High School. (See you there!)</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-60519138586019624512008-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:002008-01-21T22:39:49.270-08:00January 21, 2008: National Holiday Commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Happy Birthday MLK (January 15th)! </span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R5WPOh_13qI/AAAAAAAAAlU/DwqjweMS2lQ/s1600-h/mlk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158186428029853346" style="WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px" height="241" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R5WPOh_13qI/AAAAAAAAAlU/DwqjweMS2lQ/s320/mlk.jpg" width="371" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-18889130124894241302008-01-20T17:57:00.000-08:002008-01-21T18:08:20.995-08:00$10k Scholarship Award: Attention Music Students and Teachers (Deadline January 31st!)<strong>ATTENTION MUSIC STUDENTS AND TEACHERS! </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>$10,000 Scholarship Award</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">The MusicLink Foundation seeks talented music students ages 8-18 for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. </span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>The MusicLink Foundation, working as a pipeline organization for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, is seeking talented music students in financial need who may qualify for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. The goal of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is to identify and nurture talented young musicians whose lack of financial resources might otherwise hinder their progress. Approximately twenty-five student musicians will be selected annually to receive Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Awards. Each of these students will: </strong><br /><br />1. Receive $10,000 to support his/her education and artistic development (including tuition, training, or equipment);<br /><br />2. Perform on a live taping of From the Top's National Public Radio show; and<br /><br />3. Participate in a Cultural Leadership workshop in order to create and implement his/her own performance outreach activity.<br /><br /><strong>Eligibility is limited to pre-college classical musicians (ages 8-18). Student applicants must be interested in appearing on From the Top's popular National Public Radio show, and demonstrate:</strong><br /><br />1. Exceptional musical talent;<br /><br />2. Unmet financial need; and<br /><br />3. Strong academic achievement.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">FINAL DEADLINE: January 31, 2008</span></strong><br /><br />Application Process:<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;">Students interested in this Award should fill out both the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award application and the From the Top Soloist application. Both applications can be found on From the Top's website - </span></strong><a title="http://www.fromthetop" href="http://www.fromthetop.org/" target="_blank">http://www.fromthetop.org/</a>. Just click on the "Young Artist Award" link at the bottom of the page. You can also find additional information about the scholarship on this website including answers to frequently asked questions.<br /><br />If you know of a student who may apply for this award or a teacher who may be working with talented students in financial need, please forward this on. Please also send their names and email addresses to Jennifer Kitchin at <a title="http://compose.mail/?compose=" href="mailto:singoutjen@verizon.net" target="_blank" body="" composecc="&subject=" ob="74deccd5dc578ce421de7fe8c31083351ea6c633&composeto=">singoutjen@verizon.net</a>.<br /><br />Please indicate on the application that you heard about the award through the MusicLink Foundation (Student Application, Part IV, Question 5 – check the box for "MusicLink Foundation.")<br /><br />For more information, please contact: Jennifer Kitchin<br /><a title="http://compose.mail/?compose=" href="http://compose.mail/?compose=1&.ob=74deccd5dc578ce421de7fe8c31083351ea6c633&composeto=&composecc=&subject=&body=" target="_blank" body="" composecc="&subject=" ob="74deccd5dc578ce421de7fe8c31083351ea6c633&composeto=">http://compose.mail/?compose=1&.ob=74deccd5dc578ce421de7fe8c31083351ea6c633&composeto=&composecc=&subject=&body=</a><a title="http://www.musiclinkfoundation.org/" href="http://www.musiclinkfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.musiclinkfoundation.org/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-54950916628691833822008-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:002008-01-16T13:48:07.487-08:00AUTONOMY VOTE IS UPON US!<embed name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=" width="408" height="382" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=4c340427fd1e533d7ecfa5&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com"></embed> <div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px/20px verdana,arial,sans-serif; WIDTH: 408px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=4c340427fd1e533d7ecfa5&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"></a><br /><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt3" target="_blank"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-20887830843786428892008-01-14T16:32:00.000-08:002008-01-14T16:36:22.883-08:00Wednesday, January 16th: Parent-Teacher-Student Autonomy Workshop<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4v_wh_13hI/AAAAAAAAAkM/maq_PFs2v0w/s1600-h/parentteacherstudent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155495407680609810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4v_wh_13hI/AAAAAAAAAkM/maq_PFs2v0w/s320/parentteacherstudent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4v_WB_13gI/AAAAAAAAAkE/wm2B2fleAKs/s1600-h/parentteacherstudent.jpg"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />POWWOW and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LMU</span> are facilitating a Parent-Teacher-Student Workshop on the subject of AUTONOMY... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Westchester</span> High School – Social Hall<br />Wednesday, January 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> </span></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>6.30-8.30<br /></strong></span><br />Here's an opportunity to speak out, hear and work together through the details surrounding AUTONOMY! Come prepared to contribute your thoughts and visions for the future of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WHS</span>!!!! (And - Bring A Dish, please.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Your voice is PRICELESS!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We encourage all students to participate along with their parents/guardians!<br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">AUTONOMY VOTE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-4445798672120497642008-01-13T17:07:00.000-08:002008-01-16T14:09:10.531-08:00WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD: AUTONOMY VOTE!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4wHhR_13mI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Agb8c769qcA/s1600-h/autonomyvote.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155503941780627042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4wHhR_13mI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Agb8c769qcA/s320/autonomyvote.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>AUTONOMY VOTE -- JANUARY 23RD!</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>WESTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>AND </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>CRENSHAW HIGH SCHOOL!</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"><strong>TIME: 7AM UNTIL 8PM</strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE (MORE DETAILS FORTHCOMING ON THIS METHOD)</span></strong></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-61114781202324046682008-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:002008-01-14T15:30:50.228-08:00Deadline: January 18th: Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4vwMx_13eI/AAAAAAAAAj0/5aFDrmqLBL8/s1600-h/TomJoynerFoundation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155478300825869794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LiYPkiErLUg/R4vwMx_13eI/AAAAAAAAAj0/5aFDrmqLBL8/s320/TomJoynerFoundation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div><strong>The Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship is this organization's most prestigious scholarship award to date. One scholarship will be awarded to a freshman entering a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States in the fall of 2008. The scholarship recognizes academic distinction as well as strong character and personal qualities. </strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>The recipient of the Full Ride Scholarship will receive full tuition waivers and stipends to cover room and board (on campus only) and books. The scholarship recipient will have to maintain a required 3.0 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) and 15 credit hours per semester -the scholarship award will be renewed each semester up to ten (10) semesters. </strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Students will be selected as finalists based on their academic accomplishments, intellectual and creative distinctions, extracurricular activities, letters of reference, and original essays. </strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>More info can be found here: <a href="http://blackstudents.blacknews.com/opportunities/01-18-08.html">http://blackstudents.blacknews.com/opportunities/01-18-08.html</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-13513289658550571202007-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:002008-01-07T17:11:20.163-08:00The Argonaut: School autonomy moving ahead in Westchester<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">School autonomy moving ahead in Westchester<br /></span></strong>BY GARY WALKER(Created: Friday, December 28, 2007 10:45 AM PST)<br /><br />Parents and teachers at Kentwood Elementary School, Orville Wright Middle School and the magnet school at Orville Wright continue to bask in the afterglow of the December 11th vote for independence from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which many view as a critical first step for their schools and students to reach their full academic potential.<br /><br />As the next phase of navigating these uncharted waters begins, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has promised to continue to act as a guidepost on the challenging road to autonomy.<br /><br />According to representatives of the university, LMU will continue to play a key role in assisting schools that join the Innovation Division, a subdivision of the school district that was created over the summer to provide guidance and support to schools such as those in Westchester that opt for autonomy.<br /><br />"It is our mission to be involved in the community around us," said Shane Martin, dean of the LMU School of Education. "Our Family of Schools is a perfect example of how LMU is transforming the way universities work with their neighborhood schools."<br /><br /><br />"It's a great day for the kids and the schools in Westchester," Drew Furedi, executive director of LMU's Family of Schools added. "The vote in favor of autonomy really demonstrates the deep commitment to taking a hard look at what things are working and figuring how to support the things that are working and make them even better."<br /><br />School district officials have given their blessing to autonomy for Westchester, where there are seven schools.<br /><br />"[The vote on December 11th] was another important step forward for our families and students as we continue to work together to ensure that children in these schools — which are our highest priority — graduate from high school and are college prepared and career ready," said school superintendent David Brewer. "That's why we created our Innovation Division for Education Achievement as part of our efforts to transform the LAUSD into a high-performing, world-class district."<br /><br />School board member Marlene Canter, whose district includes Westchester, feels that autonomy is more than just about the acquisition of academic freedom and having hands-on management of a neighborhood school.<br /><br />"This is a way to create innovation within the district," Canter said. "What I was hoping to do [with autonomy] was to create an access point for partners that could help us create better schools, and autonomy is a great way to create innovation within the district."<br /><br />Furedi, who has been actively involved in helping to shape conversation surrounding the topic of academic independence since his arrival at LMU this summer, believes that the vote at the three schools was more than just a watershed moment for Westchester.<br /><br />"We saw strong, overwhelming support from parents in the vote, and you also saw a lot of engagement among parents, teachers, staff and community members during the runup to the actual vote," he pointed out. "In the few days since, we've seen more engagement and excitement in trying to put this into context."<br /><br />Over 98 percent of the parents who voted at Kentwood cast ballots in favor of autonomy. Of the votes cast by parents at the Orville Wright magnet school, over 95 percent voted yes, and the middle school's percentage was 90 percent.<br /><br />Furedi listed two reasons he thinks that the decision to pursue freedom from the Los Angeles Unified School District is important and should be viewed in a wider context.<br /><br />"This is about a community saying, 'We are taking absolute responsibility for the excellence and success of our schools.' That's different from how public education has worked in the past," he explained. "The other difference is, here is a university saying that we are redefining what a university partnership looks like."<br /><br />Ingrid Lamoureux, who heads the Parent-Teacher Association at Orville Wright, is thrilled that the university has offered to be actively involved with the reform movement.<br /><br />"I and the [Orville Wright] PTA look forward to collaborating with LMU," said Lamoureux. "Drew Furedi has been a dream to work with."<br /><br />Stephen Rochelle, the principal at Orville Wright, also feels that having a prestigious university on board is a distinct advantage for his school and others in Westchester that chose autonomy.<br /><br />"LMU has the infrastructure, the research teams and the resources," Rochelle noted, "and what better partner to have than a university of its caliber?"<br /><br />The university has begun working with the Innovation Division to continue to design the next stage of autonomy and what it could look like in Westchester.<br /><br />"Literally right after the votes were tallied, we started working on pulling together foundational data and information around instruction and operation of schools," Furedi said. "We've already begun taking apart the budget to see what the real numbers are going to show us in terms of funding, and we're looking at individual success and talents of students in order to frame a conversation to figure out a way to unlock the greatness that's there, using research based methods and data to figure out what's best for our kids."<br /><br />Canter, who also has been publicly supportive of autonomy for Westchester schools, believes that autonomy can be "a sustainable way to reform from within the district."<br /><br />Schools that choose autonomy will chart their own plan for academic improvement, and while there will be discussion, suggestions and comparing notes among all the principals and teachers in Westchester, each school will be responsible for designing its own academic blueprint.<br /><br />"I think that's the really exciting part of working with the whole group of schools," said Furedi.<br />"It's exciting for each school to be working with several other schools that might have slightly different programs, but taking into account what the specific needs of their students are.<br /><br />"It's about maintaining the individual character of a school, but really making more intentional use of a professional learning community," Furedi said.<br /><br />The remaining five schools in the Westchester area are slated to vote in January. Proponents of autonomy believe that sustaining the momentum of having three schools that have joined the Innovation Division is critical.<br /><br />"There's a palpable energy and excitement among the parents and teachers that there are schools that have [voted for] autonomy already, and there's an excitement about that," Furedi said. "And I think capitalizing on that energy is very important."<br /><br />One of the challenges that must still be overcome is that for some, change remains a risky proposition.<br /><br />"[Change] is difficult, and we realize that," said Furedi.<br /><br />Canter agrees.<br /><br />"It's always hard in the beginning," the board member stated. "My hope is that [the December 11th vote] ignites parents to see that now they finally have a vote."<br /><br />Orville Wright principal Rochelle is looking forward to both the excitement and the challenges of autonomy.<br /><br />"This is the most important work of our time," Rochelle said.<br /><br />He contemplated the possibility that Westchester could be used as a reform model for the school district."<br /><br />If we are successful, could this be replicated throughout LAUSD?" he asked.<br /><br />Furedi reiterated that the university will continue to be a partner as Westchester parents and teachers explore autonomy in 2008.<br /><br />"But it's going to take everybody working toward the same goal," Furedi said. "The idea behind autonomy is to give all of the stakeholders a voice in improving their schools, not for the university to become the new LAUSD."<br /><br />Source: The Argonaut <a href="http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2007/12/28/news_-_features/top_stories/3w.txt">http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2007/12/28/news_-_features/top_stories/3w.txt</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3545537065228818490.post-5488584030199116032007-12-25T17:15:00.000-08:002008-01-07T17:16:53.289-08:00The Associated Press: Audit: textbook shortage, unqualified teachers at LA-area schools<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Audit: textbook shortage, unqualified teachers at LA-area schools<br /></span></strong>The Associated Press<br /><br />HAWTHORNE, Calif.—Auditors found textbook shortages, unqualified teachers and deteriorating campuses plaguing eight campuses in the Los Angeles and Centinela Valley school districts.<br /><br />Hawthorne High School got especially bad marks because of dirty drinking fountains, rotting wood, a leaky roof, exposed wiring and pervasive bird droppings.<br /><br />Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, also in the Centinela Valley district, was cited for broken cracked windows, doors that don't operate properly and a wobbly wall in one classroom.<br /><br />Banning High, <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#99ff99;">Westchester High</span></strong> and Meyler Street Elementary in the Los Angeles Unified School District were also in poor condition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com